‘Finland eager to participate in Pakistan’s development’

ISLAMABAD: Finland is eager to cooperate with Pakistan in multiple socioeconomic development sectors, Ambassador of Finland Rauli Suikannen said on Tuesday.

“To realise this objective, facilitating regular interactions between the private sectors of Finland and Pakistan is essential,” he observed while addressing the business community at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI).

He visited ICCI along with Commercial Counselor of Finland in UAE Hahlantera and Honorary Consul of Finland in Pakistan Asad Ansari. He said that Finland was poised to achieve highest economic growth in Europe this year and stronger relations with Pakistan could allow it to reap benefits as well.

Highlighting Finland’s ‘comprehensive’ vocational training system, Suikannen said Finland has plenty of expertise to share in this department for developing skills of Pakistani workers.

He also said that Finland is a strong supporter of EU’s GSP Plus status for Pakistan, noting that Pakistan should diversify its exports to the EU by incorporating items other than textiles. He added Finland wanted to enhance its commercial presence in Pakistan and would try to open its Embassy in Pakistan in future.

Speaking on the occasion, ICCI President Sheikh Amir Waheed said that bilateral trade between Pakistan and Finland is not at its potential level. He also urged both governments to focus on frequent exchanges of trade delegations to identify new areas of mutual cooperation.

Highlighting the improved law and order situation in the country, Waheed lauded the stimulus provided by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project to Pakistan’s economy. “CPEC has created plenty of business opportunities in Pakistan which Finnish investors should take complete advantage of,” Waheed added.